Leading Priests,Teachers and Leaders plan to kill the King - Holy Week Day Three

This man is dangerous - say Leading Priests, Teachers of religious law and other Leaders.

The King is preaching in the Temple today - how I admire his courage after yesterday. 

The King teaches

The Temple is packed, sweaty bodies rubbing against friends and strangers. Children wriggling to find space, the elderly clutching onto anything or anyone they can.  

The mood among the people is mixed, some are excited to hear the King teach, while others weary and scared. Some strain to hear the message, others discourteous, mocking his words. There in the corner of my eye, I can see furtive glances. Priests, Teachers and other Leaders watching and waiting.   

Animosity

There is a lull in the teaching and the King stops. I can see him sensing the animosity oozing from the Religious Leaders. I watch him stare then turn back to the people. Voices recede into a static hush; arms, animated moments earlier drop to people's sides and heads having nodded enthusiastically, cease. A wave of silence breezes through the Temple, something is about to happen. The tension mounts, and you can cut it with a knife, as young and old eyes focus on the King. Then his finger points at the learned men. In unison, an unseen force turns all heads toward its target. 

The King's warning

The King speaks directly, "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces." (Matthew 23:1-36)

I watch as their faces portray thunderous indignation. One after the other they throw questions at the King, trying to catch him out. But the King outwits them. What a man! You would have had to be there to see it, what a contest! Rumblings of discontent ripple from the Leaders and I can hear whispers, they are faint so that I decide to move closer. Did they really say "plotting to kill?" Panicked I rush closer to the King. I don't know what to do.

Just then the King calls to his disciples and tells them to get ready to leave. Quickly, they flock to him and I trail after them. They amble towards the Mount of Olives and I stealthfully hide behind a large dusty rock and listen, hungry for more teaching. There is no wind so I can hear without a flow of disruption. The commanding voice of the King speaks earnestly with a passion, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing. 

He is absorbed intimately in communicating imperative truths. (Matthew24-25) The disciples seem curious, asking questions to learn more. I, on the other hand, do not understand what is being taught and feel an unsettling loneliness. There is no one for me to confide in, to help me grasp the importance or meaning of his words.   

However, as I sit here I know that the power of the King's teaching is what I need and HE is WHO I need. I can't go back now, the only path is to go forward with my King wherever that takes me.....

This week is Holy Week a time to ponder on the events leading up to Christ's death and Resurrection. We too are on a journey not necessarily to the same grotesque end, but nonetheless to a place that requires sacrifice, forgiveness and love to walk there.  

Come and join me each day as I accompany Jesus on His journey.

God bless,

Margaret

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretKazmierczakAuthorBlogger/

www.margaretk.co.uk

 

 

King enters Jerusalem on a Donkey - Read all about it.

The King enters Jerusalem on a Donkey

Have you heard the news? 

The King has entered Jerusalem on a Donkey. I mean, what is going on - a King riding a donkey? 

People were shouting and waving palms, it was amazing. Talk about making an entrance with a contradiction. I thought Kings rode magnificent horses. But then this is no ordinary King. 

A King who breaks the rules

We shouted Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (John 12:13). It was crazy. People pushing palms aside to see, others laying them on the ground in front of the donkey. One man tried to touch the King but his loyal band of followers were tight around him. 

Boy, I love this man. He doesn't do things by halves. He is going to change things around here in a mighty way, I can feel it. If any King can save us it will be this humble man. 

A glimpse of love

How do I know? The King's gentle eyes captured mine as he passed. For a moment all of time stopped, the intense shouting dimmed and I felt gripped by His love. No army could conqueror a force so powerful and liberating. When his gaze released me I experienced a form of drunkenness, a hazy warmth washing over my entire body. Then I knew the truth - love would save us not swords or force.

The King's gentle eyes captured mine as he passed

The journey

This week is Holy Week a time to ponder on the events leading up to Christ's death and Resurrection. We too are on a journey not necessarily to the same grotesque end, but nonetheless to a place that requires sacrifice, forgiveness and love to walk there.  

Come and join me each day as I accompany Jesus on His journey.

God bless

Margaret

www.margaretk.co.uk

Desperate to run away - there is hope

My shoes are in tatters and I am travel weary. The road appears endless. One more leaden step in the wrong direction. If I turn around..... 

My burden is lightened, my aching feet pick up the stride of hope.
From a distance I can see my Father anticipating my arrival, with arms outstretched, he walks, neigh runs to embrace my drooping spirit.  

I am found, and He, overcome with emotion, prepares a banquet, a feast fit for a king. I'm not worthy,  but in God's eyes, I am his child, the delight of his heart. 

Blessings

Margaret

This is better than gold - outrageous claim

Wisdom is better than gold

Would you ask for wisdom instead of an engagement ring? 

How valuable would you rate wisdom over an engagement ring?  

Wow, if I was given the choice I would have wisdom as an engagement ring! 

Rings come and go depending on the strength of your commitment, but wisdom offers this - Proverbs 4:6-7 don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

You just can't buy that!

Thank you for dropping by.

Margaret

Read all about it - 1st birthday for Heart"wings" blog - supporting Christian women everywhere.

Heart"wings" 1st Birthday

Two ladies, one vision and a heart for God. May I have a drumroll, please........

Thank you

May I introduce two very special ladies - Joyce Graves and Caryl McAdoo - I think a round of applause is required. 👏👏👏

Without further ado, I will now hand you over to Caryl.

Hello! Welcome! I’m Caryl McAdoo, Heart”Wings” co-administrator, blog founder, and Co-heart. Our blog’s creation one year ago has a story. I think a fun one, certainly a testimony of God’s leading and purpose. 

Okay, hold it right there Caryl, I think we need to zoom over to your site to continue...

http://www.heartwingsblog.com/2017/03/blog-heartwings/


Righ-ti-ho, see you there.

Maybe not that fast, I don't want you to break your neck

If you are looking for an amazing blog that supports Christian women everywhere come and join Joyce and Caryl at Heart"wings" - you will always have a sister there.  

Happy birthday, Heart"wings" - I love you.

Many blessings,

Margaret

www.margaretk.co.uk

https:www.facebook.com/writerandblogger/

Amazing inside information - Karen Ingalls interviews Margaret Kazmierczak Author

Behind the scenes - How to Make Victoria Sponge - the book.

Powerful, eye-opening and life changing.

"I am honoured to have Margaret Kazmierczak as my guest this week. In this interview, you will learn about how she came to write her book and why she loves to write." 

Leave a comment or question at the end of the interview (on the site below) for a chance to win a copy of her book in ebook fashion.

Read all about it at

https://kareningalls.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/author-margaret-kazmierczak.html?showComment=1488792780124#c6187295803859190927

When you are on the bottom rung - the only way is up

Bottom rung days

I am having one of those bottom rung days and the only way forward means going up. Sitting on the bottom rung is comfortable, it is safe albeit lonely. Everyone else seems far away perched on their crossbars surrounded by clouds. Laughing from their vantage point. Can I climb that high and experience the same joy?

Mountains

Why do mountains look so awesome from a distance, and yet petrifying close up? The shear stableness of its structure beckons and towers over me. To look at it from afar it seems conquerable, but the closer I get the fear begins to set in. Bottom ladder days are like that. 

Moving up

Taking the first step is scary, it means committing to moving up. To believing in a better goal. This is like writing. The blank page awaiting words, inspiration. It taunts me, saying you can't do this. Climbing the ladder takes courage, great effort and seems completely out of my reach. I can hear the pen laughing. Write if you dare. 

Do I dare?

You cannot be a writer if you don't dare. The bottom of the ladder is no place for creativity. Comfortable and safe do not go hand in hand with adventure. So if I want to see the results of my creation I need to climb one step at a time towards the clouds. 

Looking up

I don't like looking down as I climb, it makes me feel dizzy. Looking up and forward gives me an idea of how closer I am getting to my goal. To the joy that others are experiencing on their higher rungs. I hear their cheers as each step brings me nearer, their enthusiasm for my success infectious. I can do this as long as I believe in myself. 

Snakes and ladders

There will of course be times of snakes and ladders when I hit a snake, tumbling down and starting again from a new square further down the board. Except this time I know I can climb up again as I have done it before. Bottom rung days will come and go. What is important is that I keep trying and with determination, I will climb that high and experience the same joy. 

"But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

https://www.facebook.com/writerandblogger/

The thief who denied hell and stole Heaven

by Margaret Kazmeirczak | Jan 30, 2017 | Comfort, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Monday Memories, Heart"Wings"blog.com

The thief who denied hell and stole Heaven has an amazing place in history. 

The thief is the one person who saw the truth of Jesus’ message. Those around him were grieving, shocked, taunting, or disinterested in the crucifixion, but the thief stole the show. He saw his opportunity, to rob hell of his soul and to repent of his past heinous crimes. For this he would be remembered for all time.

He saw his opportunity to rob hell of his soul and to repent of his past heinous crimes.

The robber understood he deserved to die.

The thief in his understanding knew that he deserved his crucifixion. His pain and subsequent death were of his own doing. He had deprived many of precious things through the manor of his trade as a robber. He no doubt robbed wives of husbands, children of their fathers and vice versa. Now his crimes were to rob him of his life. But his salvation hung beside him.  

“Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

As the robber gazed on the man beside him the scales from his eyes fell. He did not see another criminal, but the Son of God. His soul leapt for joy but the devil cringed in the dark periphery surrounding the revelation, watching as the first sinner gained entry into Heaven. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:40)

Jesus said “I tell you the truth,  today you shall be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

How comforting for Jesus in his agony to be recognised for who He really was. The thief, a man of the world, who did not know Jesus from His ministry, bowed down before his Saviour King. When Jesus died Heaven rejoiced and the sinner danced, he had stolen his greatest prize at the last moment – his redemption. 

The memory of the thief.

Today let us remember the lesson of this man who denied hell and stole Heaven, as we hang on our own cross of life. Let us see what the thief saw – God’s Grace. 

Do you see as the thief saw?

Celebrate Lit Christian book review blog stop 9

Celebrate Lit Christian book review blog stop 9

http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.co.uk/

How to make Victoria Sponge by Margaret Kazmierczak - review by Debbie Curto.

"It is fun to read about someone just like me."

Victoria Sponge is a fictional character but she is a picture of any Christian wife and mother. Each day our Heavenly Father has a personal message to Victoria. I must also say that I especially relate to her because she is just like me in that she falls and bumps her head repeatedly, it is fun to read about someone just like me.

The chapters are the days of the week and start out with a morning prayer and there is an afternoon prayer and an evening prayer. Then it tells about the troubles of the day and we read Victoria's prayers to God and learn how she turns everything to thankfulness to Our Saviour and asks Him to help her to always remember the lessons that day's struggles has taught her. I like that each day also includes Our Heavenly Father's responses to Victoria's thoughts and prayers.

Victoria Sponge uses everyday occurrences, such as trying to catch a field mouse to point out Our Heavenly Father's love and that He doesn't chase us but waits for us to come to Him. This book has really touched my heart and soul, I will be reading this book again and again as it is life changing fiction.

I am including part of one of Victoria's prayers in the review as it is mine also even if I have never actually prayed it. "Oh. Lord. Please help me to be happy with who I am and with the gifts and challenges that You have given me." But after reading this book I will make this prayer part of my daily prayers.

Just to show once again why I think this book is fantastic, here is a prayer that Victoria prays after her daughter dyes her hair pink. "Oh Lord, we all make mistakes; although I am not sure I have made a pink one! Help me to sort this one out or if this is not possible, then a friend who has knowledge of dealing with dyeing mistakes might be helpful." I love that Victoria talks to our Lord as a friend and not someone who is out of reach.

Victoria Sponge is so honest in this book even about finding a pair of clean underwear and a lost television remote.

There is one scene in this book that isn't an easy subject to deal with but Victoria relates it to the  suffering that Jesus suffered on the cross. This book really helps the reader understand that Jesus suffered all the same things that His people struggle with.

There is another story at the end of Victoria's story and it is called "A Jewel In the Sponge". I love how the colors of the rainbow is described to Victoria's son Johnny.

I am going to buy this book in print and give them out, yes the book is that good!

I received a complementary copy and the opinions expressed are my own.

I give "How To Make Victoria Sponge" by Margaret Kazmierczak five stars.

Giveaway:

To celebrate her tour, Margaret is giving away a themed gift bag containing an apron, whisk, Bible, and a limited 1st edition paperback copy of How to Make Victoria Sponge! Click here to enter:https://promosimple.com/ps/a416

Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/2dbi1aW

Prayer 5 - Sometimes we need courage....

Prayer 5

Sometimes we need courage...

When you fear something do you shy away or take courage? 

Does that fear loom large and heavy in your mind?

Sometimes the thought is greater than the reality that is behind the door.

God says "Do not be afraid" 

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

God is with you. 

He wants to hold your hand.

He loves you.

God bless,

Margaret xx

Author of How to Make Victoria Sponge

Christian book review - day one

How to Make Victoria Sponge blog tour

My blog tour with Celebrate Lit began today with the first blog stop. I was delighted to receive the following review:

Endearing and one of a kind . . . How To Make Victoria Sponge will make you laugh, cry, and delight you all at the same time! The British vernacular incorporated was a welcome surprise and was such a nice aspect of the book- I felt the sudden need to have hot tea while reading :) This is such a unique book because it's so relatable to any mother or wife and all the chaos that comes along with it though you love each person that causes the chaos. It's also unique because it's not written like your typical book- it is more of a chronicle of events that happen in Victoria's life and how she responds to the stress and happy events that come her way. We learn that simply saying Yes to the Lord on a daily basis brings Him great joy and glorifies Him. We learn that being a mom and wife is ok even if we feel like our lives are just mediocre, because God is pleased with us simply trusting Him and obeying Him. He sees us all as special, unique children of His no matter how simple our lives may seem when we glorify Him with our actions. He loves to speak to His children as we communicate to Him which we see so clearly in Victoria's monologue of prayer and the Lord's response. Honestly, this book felt like as much of an inspirational devotional as it was a heartwarming read. We see how Victoria rises above the stress to be a loving wife and mother, a loving, supportive daughter of aging parents, a friend who is there in times of grief, and more all because she learns to constantly communicate with the Lord and meditate on His strength and His words to provide strength and direction. While we all know that we need to constantly depend upon, communicate, and meditate upon the Lord, this book actually challenged me to realize how much being aware of the presence of the Lord is a need in my life. You will be completely delighted with this book from all aspects of its' wonderful surprises. Thank you for an inspiring, emotionally packed, heartwarming read Mrs. Kazmierczak! :)

https://areadersbrain.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/how-to-make-victoria-sponge-by-margaret.html?showComment=1475175000508#c4224310234834047425

I am delighted that my ebook blessed the reader and hope that it will bless more readers who read the review and decide to purchase the ebook.

God bless,

Margaret xx

Author of How to make Victoria Sponge

Prayer 3 - Sometimes when we are broken...

Prayer 3

Sometimes when we are broken......

Is your first response to take your troubles to the Father?

Do you look to the Cross and see the Crucified One?

He understands.

He loves you and wants to fix your pain.

He can make you whole again.

God bless,

Margaret xx

Author of How to Make Victoria Sponge 

Prayer 2 - Sometimes we trip and fall...

Prayer 2

Sometimes we trip and fall....

Do you know where you are going?

Have you asked God for directions at the beginning of your day?

The Father wants you to travel lightly in His Grace. 

You are important to Him.

He loves you.

God bless,

Margaret xx

Author of How to Make Victoria Sponge